OKLAHOMA CITY -- Of the three categories that Russell Westbrook is averaging double figures in, the one that most believed would be the hardest for him was rebounds. At just 6-foot-3 and playing point guard, it didn't seem possible in today's game that he could pile up the boards.

Yet, entering Friday night's game against the Houston Rockets, Westbrook is averaging 10.9 rebounds per game. That puts him ninth in the NBA ahead of the likes of All-Star big men such as DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Blake Griffin and Kevin Love.

"When he defensive rebounds, it helps us," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. "Anytime he defensive rebounds he is starting the break. That is obviously where he is very explosive. He is getting the ball earlier. His defensive rebounding to me pushes the pace and allows our guys to get out and run."